At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Learn and Play Preschool
Kindergarten Prep with Nature-Based Play
Learn and Play Preschool, founded by Deanna Barnes in 1991, provides a structured yet nurturing in-home environment for young learners. The program integrates evidence-based curricula like Handwriting Without Tears and Ready Bodies Learning Minds, focusing on bridging the gap between social-emotional growth and academic proficiency. With a small group capacity of 12, the director provides highly individualized attention in a dedicated classroom space that feels like an extension of home. The outdoor environment is a significant highlight, featuring an expansive nature-based play area designed for sensory and motor development. Children engage in activities ranging from sensory swings and sand play to open-ended construction with large blocks. This blend of academic rigor and outdoor exploration aims to graduate confident learners who are frequently reported to be reading above grade level by the time they enter elementary school in the Round Rock area or beyond.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
If you are looking for a safe, nurturing, engaging, and FUN learning environment where your child will thrive both academically and emotionally, look no further than Learn and Play Preschool. This school is a truly special place where the kids spend a lot of time exploring nature, moving their bodies, and just being kids. At the same time, they are prepared for kindergarten with strong academic foundations and social skills. Both of my children are older now but they continue to do well in school and I credit so much of that to the solid start they received here. I am so grateful to Miss Deanna for providing such an enriching environment for my kids and I recommend Learn and Play Preschool without reservation..
We absolutely loved our time at Learn and Play Preschool! Ms. Deanna strikes the perfect balance between challenging the kids academically and nurturing them with so much love. It’s clear she genuinely cares about each child’s growth and well-being. More than once, my daughter told me she didn’t want to leave because she was having too much fun! That kind of joy and engagement speaks volumes. We’re so grateful to have found such a special place for her early learning years.
We had the best experience with my son attending Austin Learn and Play. If you are looking for a place where your child can thrive, please look no further. Ms. Deanna has been the best teacher we've ever had. My son was READY for Kindergarten, and when I say "ready," I mean it. My son was reading before he started Kindergarten. His Kinder teacher even let me know she had to put away her own notes and instructions, because my son was reading them. To this day, my son is still reading above grade-level and I am 99% sure this is because of the way Ms. Deanna taught him. Ms. Deanna has so many years of experience with this age group, that she is just a fountain of knowledge in parenting and teaching tips. Due to her experience, her program is the perfect balance of learning opportunities, fun activities and discipline. She is super professional, super creative, and the most important of all, she really cares about the kids well-being and development. My son always talked about all the fun he had at Ms. Deanna's and always looked forward to going to school every morning, that alone told me a lot about the classroom environment. Her group is small enough for every child to have personalized attention, but big enough for kids to socialize and learn to play with others. Best preschool ever!
We truly can't say enough good things about Ms. Deanna. I toured over 10 daycares searching for a place where my child would feel safe and at home, and the moment I met her at Learn and Play, I knew our search was over. She’s amazing with the kids: caring, warm, and genuinely welcoming. The school setup feels like a home away from home, and my child looks forward to going every single day. Even though my child didn’t speak English at first, Ms. Deanna was incredibly patient and made sure he always felt included and understood. She also goes above and beyond in communicating with parents, kind, understanding, and always easy to talk to. If you’re thinking about enrolling your child, I can’t recommend Learn and play enough. It's truly special.
We absolutely loved our experience with Learn and Play Preschool! Both of our children attended and genuinely looked forward to going every day. Ms. Deanna is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher — warm, creative, and deeply dedicated to each child’s growth. She challenged our kids to think outside the box, use their imaginations, and helped them grow not just academically, but emotionally as well. It was clear from day one that she cared deeply for each child as an individual and truly wanted them to succeed. What we loved most was the home environment she created — a calm, nurturing space that felt personal and consistent, unlike larger daycare centers with frequent staff changes. Our children received individual attention, and Ms. Deanna took the time to really know them — their personalities, strengths, and needs. As first-time parents, we also appreciated the guidance and support she offered us along the way. Learn and Play Preschool was a blessing for our family, and we’ll always be grateful for the foundation it gave our children. Highly recommend!
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns or legal issues were found for this facility. The preschool self-reports a record of zero licensing deficiencies over a 10-year period, a claim also cited on its Care.com profile. State records confirm it is a licensed child-care home with a maximum capacity of 12 children.
Parent Reputation
The facility maintains an exceptionally positive reputation, with parents consistently awarding it 5-star ratings across platforms like Care.com and Google. Common themes in reviews include the director's patience and creativity, the effective preparation of children for kindergarten, and a nurturing 'extension of home' environment. Parents specifically praise the high level of communication and the school's success with children of varying behavioral and linguistic backgrounds.
Staff Insights
Employee experiences appear positive based on testimonials from former co-teachers who describe the environment as safe, clean, and well-organized. One notable review comes from a former state licensing representative who worked with the director for over two years and was so impressed by the program's adherence to standards that she enrolled her own child. No negative employee reviews or reports of high turnover were found for this specific location.
Quick Information
Varies by age and schedule





